Cyclist-pedestrian protections set for OK by Sonoma County Board of Supervisors

March 18, 2013, 7:06PM

03/18/2013

The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors is set to formally approve a local ordinance today that would make it easier for cyclists and pedestrians to sue those who harass or intimidate them.

The board unanimously endorsed the measure last week.

Advocates have advanced the ordinance as way to offer a clearer path to civil court remedies for cyclists and pedestrians and limit hostility toward those road users.

Opponents have said it unfairly targets motorists, that protections are already are in place to punish those convicted of serious car-versus-bike crimes, and that any ordinance targeting lesser incidents risks meddling in a murky area of law.

The ordinance is modeled on similar local laws adopted by several cities, including Sebastopol, which passed its ordinance in December.

Sonoma County would be first county in the country to adopt such a law.

Today's vote is set for the consent agenda, where board deliberation is typically limited and staff presentation are minimal.